Periodontal disease (also known as periodontal infection, gum disease or pyorrhea) is an ongoing infection in the gums around your teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious bacteria which gets deep into your gums.

This infection starts destroying the bone which supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. For more information, see the section entitled Periodontal Disease.

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Because periodontal infection grows under your gums, you can have no symptoms at all. More advanced patients can experience some of the following symptoms:

	Red, swollen or tender gums.		Spaces between the teeth
	Tooth Sensitivity to heat/cold		Loose or shifting teeth
	Bad breath		Missing teeth
	Deep pockets around the teeth		Gums receding around the teeth (Longer looking teeth)

For more information see the section entitled Periodontal Disease.

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Periodontists have advanced training in the treatment of periodontal disease and dental implants.

Patients with periodontal infection have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection which can grow in bursts. Some factors which can cause a dramatic burst of your periodontal infection are:

	Poor Oral Hygiene		Stress
	Dental Plaque		Diet
	Smoking		Age
	Genetic Factors		Illness
	Not Having Regular Dental Checkups		Not Having Regular Dental Cleanings

When your infection has a "burst" of growth, or when there are signs that this is may occur, you may be sent to a periodontist.

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There are a few different treatments for periodontal infection. The goal of treatment is to remove the infectious bacteria from beneath the gums and control its future regrowth. For more information see Procedures.

After your initial examination, we will completely explain your different options for treatment.

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One of our primary concerns is that you have a comfortable experience during treatment. Towards this end, we offer an extensive array of the latest techniques to minimize discomfort.

For more information on these techniques, see Procedures.

Many of our patients come back saying they are amazed at how little discomfort they experienced.

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On your first visit to our office, you will receive a periodontal examination. You should experience little, if any, discomfort during this examination. If necessary, x-rays will be taken to further evaluate any loss of bone around your teeth.

Afterwards, the findings and options for treatment will be thoroughly explained. At that time, the doctor will answer any questions you may have.

Our goal is that you leave with a complete understanding of your condition and the treatment needed to restore you to optimum oral health.

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Everyone deserves to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. While periodontal treatment is not as costly as replacing natural teeth due to tooth loss, its cost can vary greatly depending upon your needs.

If you have dental insurance, this may provide full or partial coverage. Our office will contact your insurance company to learn what they will cover. We do accept assignment of most insurance benefits.

We feel that finances should never be an obstacle to treatment. For your convenience, we offer several payment options for portions not covered by insurance. Our insurance coordinator, will be happy to answer your financial and insurance questions.

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Periodontal infection grows in "bursts of activity."

It is likely that you have been referred to us because your general dentist has noticed an increase in infection activity.

This infection eats away at the bone that supports your teeth (leading to tooth loss). If not treated, there can be a number of consequences. Please see the Consequences Section for a list of these.

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When periodontal infection gets into the bone around your teeth, it can enter your the blood stream. From there it travels to other parts of the body and can contribute to medical problems.

Recent research has found that patients with periodontal disease are more than twice as likely to have heart disease and stroke.

Please read the section entitled "Medical Consequences" to learn of recent research correlating periodontal disease with serious medical problems.

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Your general dentist knows your entire dental history, the condition of your teeth, and your future dental needs. He is in charge of your overall dental care. We will work closely with him or her to ensure you receive the best possible dental care.

In many cases, your general dentist may do your beginning periodontal treatment and a portion of your periodontal maintenance afterwards.

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We pride ourselves in keeping up-to-date regarding equipment and periodontal procedures. You can be sure you will receive state-of-the-art care.

Regarding sterilization, we believe that all procedures should be safe, as well as comfortable. We use only the latest sterilization techniques. For more information on treatment techniques and sterilization see the Section entitled "Procedures."

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Dental Implants are natural looking replacements for missing teeth. The implant is an artificial tooth root which is attached to your jawbone. This tooth root provides an anchor for your general dentist to place crowns, fixed bridges, partials and dentures.

We are experts in the placement of implants. Implants begin with an evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

For more detailed information, please see the Section entitled "Dental Implants."

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Besides periodontal treatment and dental implants, we perform a number of procedures. These include:

	Crown Lengthening.
	Gingival (gum) Grafting.
	Gingival (gum) Contouring.
	Bone Grafting.
	Frenectomy.
	Ridge Augmentation.

For more information on these procedures, please see the Section entitled "Procedures."

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